Alexander Turbanov gave a statement from occupied Israel upon his return:
“Your kindness will forever be etched on my soul.
I spent 498 days among you.
Despite the oppression and aggression you endured,
I learned from you the true meaning of manhood, pure bravery, humanity, and respect for values.
Even in captivity, you were free,
while I, being free, was a prisoner.
You protected my life.
Like a father treats his sons with love,
You cared for my dignity, health, and honour.
Though I was in the hands of people fighting for their land and stolen freedom,
and while my government was committing the worst genocide against a besieged nation,
You neither starved me nor humiliated me.
I saw the real meaning of manhood in your eyes.
I understood the value of sacrifice by living among you.
I saw you smiling even in the face of death,
against an enemy armed with weapons of mass destruction,
while you had nothing but your own bodies.
Even if I tried, I couldn’t find the words
to truly express your worth and status,
or to reflect my astonishment and admiration for your noble character.
Does your faith really teach you to treat prisoners this way?
How great is that belief
That raises you to such a level
where all man-made laws of human rights fall apart,
And all protocols of war pale in comparison to your example.
Even in the harshest of times, your justice and mercy stood out —
not just as slogans,
But in your actual behaviour.
You never compromised on your principles,
no matter how dark the circumstances were.
Believe me, if I ever return,
I will live among you as a dedicated student,
because I have learned the truth from your people.
I have realised that you are not just the owners of the land,
but the owners of principles and justice.”
